US20230117935A1 - Device for stabilizing a hoisted object - Google Patents
Device for stabilizing a hoisted object Download PDFInfo
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- US20230117935A1 US20230117935A1 US18/082,228 US202218082228A US2023117935A1 US 20230117935 A1 US20230117935 A1 US 20230117935A1 US 202218082228 A US202218082228 A US 202218082228A US 2023117935 A1 US2023117935 A1 US 2023117935A1
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B66—HOISTING; LIFTING; HAULING
- B66C—CRANES; LOAD-ENGAGING ELEMENTS OR DEVICES FOR CRANES, CAPSTANS, WINCHES, OR TACKLES
- B66C13/00—Other constructional features or details
- B66C13/04—Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or preventing cable slack
- B66C13/06—Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or preventing cable slack for minimising or preventing longitudinal or transverse swinging of loads
- B66C13/063—Auxiliary devices for controlling movements of suspended loads, or preventing cable slack for minimising or preventing longitudinal or transverse swinging of loads electrical
Definitions
- a tag line is a line connecting the hoisted object to the ground. While the tag line can be simple and effective, it requires an individual on the ground to connect and disconnect the line. This limits the use of the tag line in certain environments.
- the active fin changes its angle of attack in response to an internal gyroscope which senses the angular velocity of an airframe. The protruding nature of the active fin off the airframe results in a tendency for the fin to fall to the ground mid operation. This is especially true when confronted with dense terrain. Existing methods for stabilizing a hoisted object during a helicopter hoist operation are thus less than ideal.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 A shows an example of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 B shows an example block diagram of a stability manager of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 shows an example flow chart of a stability manager for a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure relates to a device that counteracts a spin of a hoisted object during a hoist operation.
- the device provides an alternative to a tag line and other conventional methods to counteract the spin of a litter that can occur when the litter is hoisted by a helicopter.
- the device described herein does not require hoist personnel to hold a tag line or otherwise maintain an ascertainable position during a hoist operation.
- a hoist operation typically involves a helicopter or other aircraft with a hydraulic power unit (HPU) that reels a lift line to the ground so that a hoisted object such as a litter can be attached to the lift line.
- the litter is a flexible stretcher such as a Skedco® Sked® stretcher, or the litter may be a metal frame basket such as a Stokes basket.
- the lift line from the helicopter includes a hook for connecting to the litter. Once the hook is connected to the litter, the HPU can reel the lift line in so that the litter can be retrieved.
- the design of a litter, various forces that exist during hoist operations, and other variables can cause the litter to spin prior to being retrieved.
- a tag line such as the Skedco® Helitag Helicopter Tag Line Kit, is part of a manual process that involves an individual holding a rope that is connected to the litter.
- the manual process usually requires the individual to remain at a fixed point or otherwise ascertainable position, which can be problematic over water or in certain environments.
- a system, device, or method can include a stability manager or use thereof that may be employed as a component of a helicopter hoist operation to stabilize a hoisted object.
- the device of the present disclosure contains a switch that can be turned on by an individual on the ground who is responsible for connecting an enclosure containing the stability manager to the hoisted object, and turned off by an individual retrieving the hoisted object in the helicopter.
- the enclosure is connected to the hoisted object, and therefore spins with the same angular velocity as the hoisted object.
- An inertial-measurement unit IMU can sense angular velocity of the enclosure.
- the IMU senses the angular velocity of the enclosure, and therefore by the nature of the connection between the enclosure and the hoisted object, the IMU senses a measurement that corresponds with the angular velocity of the hoisted object.
- the device can include any number of motors, drivers, flywheels, and sensors, as well as a processor.
- the combination of motors being driven to turn flywheels induces the necessary stabilizing torque.
- Sensors read various measurements such as an angular velocity that corresponds with a hoisted object and provide those measurements to a processor.
- Acontrol-feedback algorithm uses the angular velocity, and potentially acceleration, of the enclosure to inform how to control the flywheel.
- spinning the flywheel in the same direction as the hoisted object can help to stabilize the hoisted object.
- the proactive algorithm can include the addition of a load sensor to determine the angular momentum of the hoisted object.
- a load sensor can also be useful when aspects of the geometry and the mass distribution of a hoisted object are known.
- the angular momentum informs the selection of the angular velocity of the flywheel to counteract the angular momentum of the hoisted object.
- a reactive approach can be used where the flywheel increases or decreases in velocity depending on the current rotation of the hoisted object.
- FIG. 1 shows an example of a device 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the example device 100 includes an enclosure 103 , a line attachment 106 , a hoisted object attachment 109 , and a switch 112 .
- the enclosure 103 can be formed from any suitable type(s) of material to meet or exceed United States Military Standards and/or other design specifications.
- the enclosure 103 can resist shock damage, corrosion, and other environmental effects.
- the enclosure 103 can be formed of non-conductive material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is envisioned that the enclosure 103 can also include a conductive material such as metal or steel to discharge static electricity.
- the enclosure 103 provides a line attachment 106 for connection to a lift line reeled down from a helicopter, and a hoisted object attachment 109 for connection up from the hoisted object.
- a steel wire or other conductive material connects to a hook of the lift line to discharge static electricity from the helicopter.
- the line attachment 106 includes a connection point to attach to a hook of a lift line.
- the hoisted object attachment 109 includes two or more connection points to connect to a hoisted object through two or more straps or lines.
- the hoisted object can be a Skedco® Sked® litter with a horizontal lift sling that has a head strap and a foot strap. This hoisted object provides four attachment points (e.g., two loops creating four ends).
- the hoisted object attachment 109 allows the attachment points of the hoisted object to collect together and meet at one connection point.
- the hoisted object attachment 109 allows ends or connections from the hoisted object to connect to the device 100 .
- the hoisted object attachment 109 thus provides an attachment such that that the device 100 rotates about an axis formed by the lift line to the extent to which the hoisted object rotates.
- the hoisted object attachment 109 also allows straps of the hoisted object to be attached to the enclosure 103 without having to modify the straps.
- the switch 112 for example a rocker switch, can be actuated to cause the device 100 to begin stabilizing a hoisted object and to counteract a spin of the hoisted object during a hoist operation.
- the device 100 depicted in FIG. 1 includes a flywheel 115 and various other components that will be described in further detail below.
- Operation of the device 100 applies torque to the enclosure 103 thus reducing angular momentum of the spinning hoisted object.
- the device 100 can be calibrated so that operation of the device 100 allows the flywheel 115 to have a similar angular momentum as the hoisted object, thus storing the angular momentum of the hoisted object by transferring it to the flywheel 115 .
- the stability manager 118 can be electrically connected to the motor 121 and the switch 112 .
- the stability manager 118 can be implemented with hardware, firmware, software executed by hardware, or a combination thereof.
- the stability manager 118 can include processing circuitry including a processor and a memory, both of which can be coupled to a local interface such as, for example, digital and/or analog input- output pins as can be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art.
- the stability manager 118 can include software that configures the processor to use the input-output pins to interface with various components.
- a stability application 256 may be executed by the processor 253 ( FIG. 2 B ) to monitor stability of the hoisted object and adjust the angular velocity of the flywheel 115 to stabilize the hoisted object.
- the stability manager 118 can also include one or more network interfaces for communicating with the various components. Communications can be through a network such as, but not limited to, a WLAN, cellular network, Bluetooth®, or other appropriate communication network.
- the stability manager 118 may comprise, for example, a system such as a microcontroller, a system on chip, integrated circuit, or other system with like capability.
- the stability manager 118 reads a measurement corresponding to an angular momentum of the hoisted object while the lift line is retrieved by the HPU.
- a processor 253 ( FIG. 2 B ) of the stability manager 118 runs the measurement through a PID loop in a stability application 256 ( FIG. 2 B ) of the stability manager 118 .
- the stability application 256 can select a value for a voltage across the motor 121 that causes the motor 121 to spin. Operation of the device 100 results in a torque to counteract the spin of the hoisted object.
- the device 100 can stabilize the hoisted object by using one adjustment or by using multiple adjustments. If the hoisted object is rotating clockwise (or counterclockwise), the device 100 can cause the flywheel 115 to rotate clockwise (or counterclockwise).
- the stability application 256 can get a measurement for angular velocity from an IMU of the sensor pack 259 ( FIG. 2 B ) and continue to adjust the voltage to drive the motor 121 , which adjusts the angular velocity of the flywheel 115 .
- the stability application 256 can continue to get measurements to determine that the angular velocity of the hoisted object gets closer and closer to zero. The process can continue until the hoisted object stops spinning or until the spinning is within a defined tolerance.
- the stability application 256 can allow the flywheel 115 to spin freely.
- Operation of the device 100 can result in a torque to counteract the spin of the hoisted object, due in part to the motor 121 being rigidly connected to the blind flange 124 , which is itself rigidly connected to the enclosure 103 .
- the motor 121 and/or a portion of a stabilizer assembly of the device 100 can be rigidly connected directly to the enclosure 103 .
- the device 100 can cause the motor 121 to apply a torque to the enclosure 103 and stabilize the hoisted object.
- the enclosure 103 includes a blind flange 124 which creates a top compartment 127 and a bottom compartment 130 within the enclosure 103 .
- the top compartment 127 houses a stability manager 118 (as also depicted in FIG. 2 B ).
- the stability manager 118 can adjust the voltage that drives the motor 121 (e.g., using a proportional-integral-derivate (PID) control or other feedback control algorithm, which is being represented by stability application 256 in FIG. 2 B ).
- PID proportional-integral-derivate
- the stability application 256 takes data from an IMU of the sensor pack 259 ( FIG. 2 B ), feeds the data into the PID algorithm, and determines a desired angular velocity for the motor 121 , which the motor driver 262 can carry out on the motor 121 .
- the stability manager 118 (and the IMU) is depicted on the inside of the enclosure 103 , the IMU could also be on the outside of the enclosure 103 or located remotely from the enclosure 103 .
- the IMU can be placed in a location that will allow the IMU to provide accurate measurements, such as near to an axis on which the enclosure 103 and/or the hoisted object is rotating.
- the enclosure 103 can, for example, be spinning about an axis formed by the lift line attached to the enclosure 103 .
- the device 100 includes a stabilizer assembly where a portion of the stabilizer assembly can be rotated to reduce the angular velocity of the hoisted object.
- the stabilizer assembly includes the motor 121 as well as various components housed within the bottom compartment 130 .
- the stabilizer assembly is configured to transfer a torque to the hoisted object.
- the hoisted object is connectable to the hoisted object attachment 109 of the enclosure 103 .
- the motor 121 can be mounted to the blind flange 124 that is rigidly connected to the enclosure 103 . Drive of the motor 121 can cause a torque to be transferred to the hoisted object by the nature of the connection between the enclosure 103 and the hoisted object.
- the motor 121 can be mounted so that a first drive shaft 133 coming off the motor 121 protrudes through the blind flange 124 .
- the motor driver 262 ( FIG. 2 B ) drives the motor 121 based on the output from the stability application 256 .
- the motor 121 is connected to the flywheel 115 .
- the drive of the motor 121 causes the flywheel 115 to spin in the same direction as the hoisted object.
- the bottom compartment 130 houses the portion of the first drive shaft 133 that protrudes through the blind flange 124 and connects to the shaft coupler 136 .
- the shaft coupler 136 is used to connect the first drive shaft 133 and a second drive shaft 139 that is connected to the flywheel 115 .
- the shaft coupler 136 can join the first drive shaft 133 and the second drive shaft 139 to permit transfer of rotation, while also permitting movement or angular misalignment between the first drive shaft 133 and the second drive shaft 139 .
- the shaft coupler 136 can permit about two to three degrees of angular misalignment.
- a second drive shaft 139 is connected to the shaft coupler 136 and the flywheel 115 .
- An encoder 142 is provided so that the stability manager 118 can sense how quickly the second drive shaft 139 is spinning.
- a first shaft collar 145 and a second shaft collar 148 can hold the flywheel 115 in place.
- the bracket 151 mounts the shaft coupler 136 to a head of the motor 121 and/or the blind flange 124 .
- the shaft coupler 136 counteracts any tilting of components of the device 100 .
- a weight of the flywheel 115 can be selected based on how quickly it is desired for the flywheel 115 to turn and how quickly the flywheel 115 accelerates.
- a flywheel 115 can be between about five and twenty pounds.
- the device 100 could include multiple flywheels 115 .
- the device 100 can spin the flywheel 115 in the same direction as the hoisted object is spinning.
- the device 100 can apply a torque to the enclosure 103 which will then transfer to the hoisted object and counteract the spinning of the hoisted object.
- controlling multiple flywheels 115 in multiple axis can lead to stabilization in multiple axis. Controlling multiple flywheels 115 can allow the device 100 to stabilize a hoisted object that is oscillating back and forth, spinning about a fixed axis, etc.
- the switch 112 could be a wireless or remote control switch that can achieve an off state when it is not desired for the device 100 to stabilize the hoisted object, and an on state when it is desired for the device 100 to stabilize the hoisted object.
- the switch 112 could determine if the hoisted object is being hoisted and then switch to an on or active position. When the hoisted object is no longer being hoisted, the switch 112 could switch to an off or inactive position. Additionally, conductive material runs from the line attachment 106 to the hoisted object attachment 109 to discharge static electricity from the helicopter.
- the stability manager 118 can include a processor 253 , a stability application 256 , a sensor pack 259 , a motor driver 262 , and a battery 265 or other power supply.
- the motor driver 262 is the connection point from the processor 253 to the motor 121 .
- the motor driver 262 can be a hardware interface that the processor 253 uses to control the speed and the direction of the motor 121 by controlling an input voltage to the motor 121 .
- the sensor pack 259 can include one or more sensors.
- the sensor pack 259 includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that comprises the one or more sensors.
- Sensors can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or a device that measures a force, angular rate, or magnetic field.
- the sensor pack 259 can also be electrically connected to the encoder 142 that detects rotation at some sensor point such as around the second drive shaft 139 .
- the IMU of the sensor pack 259 detects angular velocity and angular acceleration.
- the stability manager 118 can thus sense rotation of the enclosure 103 via the IMU and detect rotation of the flywheel 115 using the encoder 142 .
- the stability application 256 can include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller that implements a control algorithm.
- PID proportional-integral-derivative
- the stability application 256 reads at least one measurement (angular velocity) from the sensor pack 259 and outputs a voltage based on a velocity and/or direction to cause the flywheel 115 to spin.
- the stability application 256 can continue to get measurements to determine that the angular velocity of the hoisted object gets closer and closer to zero.
- FIG. 3 shown is a flowchart 300 that shows steps of a method implemented by the stability manager 118 .
- FIG. 3 provides one example of the execution of a stability application 256 of a device 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 can also be seen as example flowchart 300 for a control system for a device 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the stability manager 118 can perform a calibration process for stabilizing the hoisted object.
- the stability application 256 can use a calibration process to obtain a reference point or calibration constants. For example, a point relative to an initial orientation (relative orientation), a position (absolute position), or relative to magnetic north (absolute orientation) can be obtained by input from an operator or by reading one or more values from the sensor pack 259 . Prior to the hoist operation while the device 100 is stable, the device 100 can be calibrated.
- the stability manager 118 can set a threshold for the stability operation.
- the stability application 256 can set a defined number of revolutions per second below which a hoisted object is deemed to be stable.
- the stability application 256 can monitor the sensor pack 259 , as calibrated in box 303 .
- the stability application 256 can obtain from the sensor pack 259 a measurement that corresponds with the angular velocity of the hoisted object. Accordingly, with the sensor pack 259 in place, the rotation of the enclosure 103 and/or the hoisted object can be sensed.
- the stability application 256 can perform a noise reduction analysis on one or more measurements obtained from the sensor pack 259 .
- the analysis uses the processor 253 to compute one or more reduced samples based on measurement(s) obtained from the sensor pack 259 .
- a sensor pack 259 having a 200 Hz IMU would have a sample period of 5 milliseconds.
- the reduced samples can be based on a sample period that is greater than 5 milliseconds.
- One benefit of the noise reduction is to reduce the likelihood that the device 100 will overcompensate for a spin or jerk the hoisted object.
- the stability application 256 can determine whether the hoisted object is unstable.
- the hoisted object attachment 109 of the enclosure 103 is connected to the hoisted object, and therefore spins with the same angular velocity as the hoisted object.
- the IMU of the sensor pack 259 can sense angular velocity of the enclosure.
- the IMU senses the angular velocity of the enclosure 103 , and therefore by the nature of the connection between the enclosure 103 and the hoisted object, the IMU senses a measurement that corresponds to the angular velocity of the hoisted object.
- this condition can be associated with an unstable hoisted object.
- the stability application 256 can determine that the hoisted object is unstable because it is spinning in one axis. If the stability application 256 determines that the hoisted object is unstable, the process continues to box 315 .
- this condition can be associated with a hoisted object that is stable.
- the stability application 256 can determine that the hoisted object is no longer spinning, or that the hoisted object is spinning within a tolerance of at least one sensor making up the sensor pack.
- the stability application 256 can also determine that the hoisted object is spinning less than a fixed number ofrevolutions per second. If the hoisted object is stable, then the process can return to box 306 . Alternatively, in some implementations, the process can end if the hoisted object is considered stable.
- the stability application 256 can adjust voltage of the motor 121 .
- the stability application 256 can instruct the motor driver 262 to drive the motor 121 and rotate at least one drive shaft attached to the flywheel(s) 115 .
- Driving the motor 121 can result in the application of torque to the enclosure 103 .
- the stability application 256 integrates measurements from the IMU of the sensor pack 259 so that angular velocity input informs the velocity and direction of the flywheel 115 .
- the stability application 256 can implement a PID controller to adjust the voltage of the motor 121 due to at least one measurement detected by the sensor pack 259 .
- the voltage of the motor 121 can be adjusted based on the direction and the angular velocity of the hoisted object.
- the voltage of the motor 121 can be controlled so the angular velocity of the flywheel 115 counteracts the angular momentum of the hoisted object.
- the PID controller can implement a control equation (1) where V is the output voltage to the motor 121 , m is the difference between the angular velocity of the hoisted object about the z-axis compared to desired angular velocity.
- the kp, k, and kd values can be selected. Thereafter, the process can return to box 306 . Alternatively, in some implementations, the process can proceed to completion.
- V k p ⁇ + k i ⁇ ⁇ d t + k d d ⁇ d t
- FIG. 3 shows a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession in FIG. 3 may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks shown in FIG. 3 may be skipped or omitted (in favor, e.g., conventional scanning approaches). In addition, any number of counters, state variables, warning semaphores, or messages might be added to the logical flow described herein, for purposes of enhanced utility, accounting, performance measurement, or providing troubleshooting aids, etc. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure.
- any logic or application described herein, including the stability manager 118 , and the stability application 256 can be implemented using dedicated circuitry or implemented using hardware and software such as a microcontroller and software running on the microcontroller.
- the device 100 can be formed from any suitable type(s) of materials to meet or exceed United States Military Standards and/or other design specifications. While the device 100 is depicted as attached above the litter or hoisted object, the device 100 could also be connected to (or inside of) a bottom of the litter. The device 100 can thus be fitted to any litter.
- Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
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Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Non-Provisional Pat. Application No. 16/360,075, titled, “DEVICE FOR STABILIZING A HOISTED OBJECT”, filed Mar. 21, 2019, to issue as U.S. Pat. No. 11,535,496 on Dec. 27, 2022, which application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. Provisional Pat. Application No. 62/677,177, titled “FLYWHEEL-BASED MECHANISM FOR STABILIZING HELICOPTER HOISTS,” filed May 28, 2018; the contents of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.
- Hoisted objects have a tendency to spin while being lifted under a helicopter. This spin is particularly problematic for aeromedical evacuations. The existing means of stabilizing a hoisted object are tag lines and active fins. A tag line is a line connecting the hoisted object to the ground. While the tag line can be simple and effective, it requires an individual on the ground to connect and disconnect the line. This limits the use of the tag line in certain environments. The active fin changes its angle of attack in response to an internal gyroscope which senses the angular velocity of an airframe. The protruding nature of the active fin off the airframe results in a tendency for the fin to fall to the ground mid operation. This is especially true when confronted with dense terrain. Existing methods for stabilizing a hoisted object during a helicopter hoist operation are thus less than ideal.
- Many aspects of the present disclosure can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the disclosure. Moreover, in the drawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts throughout the several views.
-
FIG. 1 shows an example of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2A shows an example of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2B shows an example block diagram of a stability manager of a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 shows an example flow chart of a stability manager for a device for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. - The present disclosure relates to a device that counteracts a spin of a hoisted object during a hoist operation. The device provides an alternative to a tag line and other conventional methods to counteract the spin of a litter that can occur when the litter is hoisted by a helicopter. In contrast to conventional methods of counteracting spin, the device described herein does not require hoist personnel to hold a tag line or otherwise maintain an ascertainable position during a hoist operation.
- A hoist operation typically involves a helicopter or other aircraft with a hydraulic power unit (HPU) that reels a lift line to the ground so that a hoisted object such as a litter can be attached to the lift line. In certain environments, the litter is a flexible stretcher such as a Skedco® Sked® stretcher, or the litter may be a metal frame basket such as a Stokes basket. The lift line from the helicopter includes a hook for connecting to the litter. Once the hook is connected to the litter, the HPU can reel the lift line in so that the litter can be retrieved. The design of a litter, various forces that exist during hoist operations, and other variables can cause the litter to spin prior to being retrieved.
- It can be desirable to counteract the spin of a litter during a hoist operation without using a tag line. A tag line, such as the Skedco® Helitag Helicopter Tag Line Kit, is part of a manual process that involves an individual holding a rope that is connected to the litter. The manual process usually requires the individual to remain at a fixed point or otherwise ascertainable position, which can be problematic over water or in certain environments.
- According to various embodiments describes herein, a system, device, or method can include a stability manager or use thereof that may be employed as a component of a helicopter hoist operation to stabilize a hoisted object. The device of the present disclosure contains a switch that can be turned on by an individual on the ground who is responsible for connecting an enclosure containing the stability manager to the hoisted object, and turned off by an individual retrieving the hoisted object in the helicopter.
- The enclosure is connected to the hoisted object, and therefore spins with the same angular velocity as the hoisted object. An inertial-measurement unit (IMU) can sense angular velocity of the enclosure. The IMU senses the angular velocity of the enclosure, and therefore by the nature of the connection between the enclosure and the hoisted object, the IMU senses a measurement that corresponds with the angular velocity of the hoisted object.
- The device can include any number of motors, drivers, flywheels, and sensors, as well as a processor. The combination of motors being driven to turn flywheels induces the necessary stabilizing torque. Sensors read various measurements such as an angular velocity that corresponds with a hoisted object and provide those measurements to a processor. Acontrol-feedback algorithm uses the angular velocity, and potentially acceleration, of the enclosure to inform how to control the flywheel. Ultimately, spinning the flywheel in the same direction as the hoisted object can help to stabilize the hoisted object.
- Two categories of control-feedback algorithms can be used towards this purpose: proactive and reactive. The proactive algorithm can include the addition of a load sensor to determine the angular momentum of the hoisted object. A load sensor can also be useful when aspects of the geometry and the mass distribution of a hoisted object are known. The angular momentum informs the selection of the angular velocity of the flywheel to counteract the angular momentum of the hoisted object. Alternatively, a reactive approach can be used where the flywheel increases or decreases in velocity depending on the current rotation of the hoisted object.
- Turning to the drawings,
FIG. 1 shows an example of adevice 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Theexample device 100 includes anenclosure 103, aline attachment 106, ahoisted object attachment 109, and aswitch 112. - As the
enclosure 103 can be formed from any suitable type(s) of material to meet or exceed United States Military Standards and/or other design specifications. Theenclosure 103 can resist shock damage, corrosion, and other environmental effects. Theenclosure 103 can be formed of non-conductive material such as polyvinyl chloride (PVC). It is envisioned that theenclosure 103 can also include a conductive material such as metal or steel to discharge static electricity. Theenclosure 103 provides aline attachment 106 for connection to a lift line reeled down from a helicopter, and a hoistedobject attachment 109 for connection up from the hoisted object. A steel wire or other conductive material connects to a hook of the lift line to discharge static electricity from the helicopter. - The
line attachment 106 includes a connection point to attach to a hook of a lift line. The hoistedobject attachment 109 includes two or more connection points to connect to a hoisted object through two or more straps or lines. The hoisted object can be a Skedco® Sked® litter with a horizontal lift sling that has a head strap and a foot strap. This hoisted object provides four attachment points (e.g., two loops creating four ends). - In some examples, the hoisted
object attachment 109 allows the attachment points of the hoisted object to collect together and meet at one connection point. Alternatively, the hoistedobject attachment 109 allows ends or connections from the hoisted object to connect to thedevice 100. In either of these examples, the hoistedobject attachment 109 thus provides an attachment such that that thedevice 100 rotates about an axis formed by the lift line to the extent to which the hoisted object rotates. The hoistedobject attachment 109 also allows straps of the hoisted object to be attached to theenclosure 103 without having to modify the straps. - Next, an example operation of the
device 100 stabilizing a hoisted object is described. Theswitch 112, for example a rocker switch, can be actuated to cause thedevice 100 to begin stabilizing a hoisted object and to counteract a spin of the hoisted object during a hoist operation. Thedevice 100 depicted inFIG. 1 includes aflywheel 115 and various other components that will be described in further detail below. - Operation of the
device 100 applies torque to theenclosure 103 thus reducing angular momentum of the spinning hoisted object. Thedevice 100 can be calibrated so that operation of thedevice 100 allows theflywheel 115 to have a similar angular momentum as the hoisted object, thus storing the angular momentum of the hoisted object by transferring it to theflywheel 115. - In operation, the
stability manager 118 can be electrically connected to themotor 121 and theswitch 112. Thestability manager 118 can be implemented with hardware, firmware, software executed by hardware, or a combination thereof. For example, thestability manager 118 can include processing circuitry including a processor and a memory, both of which can be coupled to a local interface such as, for example, digital and/or analog input- output pins as can be appreciated by those with ordinary skill in the art. Thestability manager 118 can include software that configures the processor to use the input-output pins to interface with various components. - A stability application 256 (
FIG. 2B ) may be executed by the processor 253 (FIG. 2B ) to monitor stability of the hoisted object and adjust the angular velocity of theflywheel 115 to stabilize the hoisted object. Thestability manager 118 can also include one or more network interfaces for communicating with the various components. Communications can be through a network such as, but not limited to, a WLAN, cellular network, Bluetooth®, or other appropriate communication network. Thestability manager 118 may comprise, for example, a system such as a microcontroller, a system on chip, integrated circuit, or other system with like capability. - The
stability manager 118 reads a measurement corresponding to an angular momentum of the hoisted object while the lift line is retrieved by the HPU. A processor 253 (FIG. 2B ) of thestability manager 118 runs the measurement through a PID loop in a stability application 256 (FIG. 2B ) of thestability manager 118. Thestability application 256 can select a value for a voltage across themotor 121 that causes themotor 121 to spin. Operation of thedevice 100 results in a torque to counteract the spin of the hoisted object. - The
device 100 can stabilize the hoisted object by using one adjustment or by using multiple adjustments. If the hoisted object is rotating clockwise (or counterclockwise), thedevice 100 can cause theflywheel 115 to rotate clockwise (or counterclockwise). Thestability application 256 can get a measurement for angular velocity from an IMU of the sensor pack 259 (FIG. 2B ) and continue to adjust the voltage to drive themotor 121, which adjusts the angular velocity of theflywheel 115. Thestability application 256 can continue to get measurements to determine that the angular velocity of the hoisted object gets closer and closer to zero. The process can continue until the hoisted object stops spinning or until the spinning is within a defined tolerance. Thestability application 256 can allow theflywheel 115 to spin freely. - Operation of the
device 100 can result in a torque to counteract the spin of the hoisted object, due in part to themotor 121 being rigidly connected to theblind flange 124, which is itself rigidly connected to theenclosure 103. In some examples, themotor 121 and/or a portion of a stabilizer assembly of thedevice 100 can be rigidly connected directly to theenclosure 103. Thedevice 100 can cause themotor 121 to apply a torque to theenclosure 103 and stabilize the hoisted object. - Referring now to
FIG. 2A , shown is an example of adevice 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Theenclosure 103 includes ablind flange 124 which creates atop compartment 127 and abottom compartment 130 within theenclosure 103. - The
top compartment 127 houses a stability manager 118 (as also depicted inFIG. 2B ). Thestability manager 118 can adjust the voltage that drives the motor 121 (e.g., using a proportional-integral-derivate (PID) control or other feedback control algorithm, which is being represented bystability application 256 inFIG. 2B ). Thestability application 256 takes data from an IMU of the sensor pack 259 (FIG. 2B ), feeds the data into the PID algorithm, and determines a desired angular velocity for themotor 121, which themotor driver 262 can carry out on themotor 121. - While the stability manager 118 (and the IMU) is depicted on the inside of the
enclosure 103, the IMU could also be on the outside of theenclosure 103 or located remotely from theenclosure 103. The IMU can be placed in a location that will allow the IMU to provide accurate measurements, such as near to an axis on which theenclosure 103 and/or the hoisted object is rotating. Theenclosure 103 can, for example, be spinning about an axis formed by the lift line attached to theenclosure 103. - The
device 100 includes a stabilizer assembly where a portion of the stabilizer assembly can be rotated to reduce the angular velocity of the hoisted object. The stabilizer assembly includes themotor 121 as well as various components housed within thebottom compartment 130. The stabilizer assembly is configured to transfer a torque to the hoisted object. For example, the hoisted object is connectable to the hoistedobject attachment 109 of theenclosure 103. Themotor 121 can be mounted to theblind flange 124 that is rigidly connected to theenclosure 103. Drive of themotor 121 can cause a torque to be transferred to the hoisted object by the nature of the connection between theenclosure 103 and the hoisted object. - The
motor 121 can be mounted so that afirst drive shaft 133 coming off themotor 121 protrudes through theblind flange 124. The motor driver 262 (FIG. 2B ) drives themotor 121 based on the output from thestability application 256. Themotor 121 is connected to theflywheel 115. The drive of themotor 121 causes theflywheel 115 to spin in the same direction as the hoisted object. - The
bottom compartment 130 houses the portion of thefirst drive shaft 133 that protrudes through theblind flange 124 and connects to theshaft coupler 136. Theshaft coupler 136 is used to connect thefirst drive shaft 133 and asecond drive shaft 139 that is connected to theflywheel 115. Theshaft coupler 136 can join thefirst drive shaft 133 and thesecond drive shaft 139 to permit transfer of rotation, while also permitting movement or angular misalignment between thefirst drive shaft 133 and thesecond drive shaft 139. For example, theshaft coupler 136 can permit about two to three degrees of angular misalignment. Asecond drive shaft 139 is connected to theshaft coupler 136 and theflywheel 115. Anencoder 142 is provided so that thestability manager 118 can sense how quickly thesecond drive shaft 139 is spinning. Afirst shaft collar 145 and asecond shaft collar 148 can hold theflywheel 115 in place. Thebracket 151 mounts theshaft coupler 136 to a head of themotor 121 and/or theblind flange 124. Theshaft coupler 136 counteracts any tilting of components of thedevice 100. - A weight of the
flywheel 115 can be selected based on how quickly it is desired for theflywheel 115 to turn and how quickly theflywheel 115 accelerates. For example, aflywheel 115 can be between about five and twenty pounds. It is also envisioned that thedevice 100 could includemultiple flywheels 115. Thedevice 100 can spin theflywheel 115 in the same direction as the hoisted object is spinning. Thedevice 100 can apply a torque to theenclosure 103 which will then transfer to the hoisted object and counteract the spinning of the hoisted object. Additionally, controllingmultiple flywheels 115 in multiple axis can lead to stabilization in multiple axis. Controllingmultiple flywheels 115 can allow thedevice 100 to stabilize a hoisted object that is oscillating back and forth, spinning about a fixed axis, etc. - Although an
electromechanical rocker switch 112 is depicted inFIG. 2A , other types of switches are envisioned. One purpose of theswitch 112 is to preserve the battery life of the device 100 (in the off position) and to start current flowing into the stability manager 118 (in the on position). Theswitch 112 could be a wireless or remote control switch that can achieve an off state when it is not desired for thedevice 100 to stabilize the hoisted object, and an on state when it is desired for thedevice 100 to stabilize the hoisted object. Theswitch 112 could determine if the hoisted object is being hoisted and then switch to an on or active position. When the hoisted object is no longer being hoisted, theswitch 112 could switch to an off or inactive position. Additionally, conductive material runs from theline attachment 106 to the hoistedobject attachment 109 to discharge static electricity from the helicopter. - With reference now to
FIG. 2B , shown is an example block diagram 250 of astability manager 118 of adevice 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. Thestability manager 118 can include aprocessor 253, astability application 256, asensor pack 259, amotor driver 262, and abattery 265 or other power supply. Themotor driver 262 is the connection point from theprocessor 253 to themotor 121. For example, themotor driver 262 can be a hardware interface that theprocessor 253 uses to control the speed and the direction of themotor 121 by controlling an input voltage to themotor 121. - The
sensor pack 259 can include one or more sensors. In some examples, thesensor pack 259 includes an inertial measurement unit (IMU) that comprises the one or more sensors. Sensors can include an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a magnetometer, or a device that measures a force, angular rate, or magnetic field. Thesensor pack 259 can also be electrically connected to theencoder 142 that detects rotation at some sensor point such as around thesecond drive shaft 139. The IMU of thesensor pack 259 detects angular velocity and angular acceleration. Thestability manager 118 can thus sense rotation of theenclosure 103 via the IMU and detect rotation of theflywheel 115 using theencoder 142. - The
stability application 256 can include a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) controller that implements a control algorithm. Thestability application 256 reads at least one measurement (angular velocity) from thesensor pack 259 and outputs a voltage based on a velocity and/or direction to cause theflywheel 115 to spin. Thestability application 256 can continue to get measurements to determine that the angular velocity of the hoisted object gets closer and closer to zero. - With reference to
FIG. 3 , shown is aflowchart 300 that shows steps of a method implemented by thestability manager 118. Alternatively,FIG. 3 provides one example of the execution of astability application 256 of adevice 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.FIG. 3 can also be seen asexample flowchart 300 for a control system for adevice 100 for stabilizing a hoisted object in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. - Accordingly, at
box 303, thestability manager 118 can perform a calibration process for stabilizing the hoisted object. For example, thestability application 256 can use a calibration process to obtain a reference point or calibration constants. For example, a point relative to an initial orientation (relative orientation), a position (absolute position), or relative to magnetic north (absolute orientation) can be obtained by input from an operator or by reading one or more values from thesensor pack 259. Prior to the hoist operation while thedevice 100 is stable, thedevice 100 can be calibrated. - At
box 306, thestability manager 118 can set a threshold for the stability operation. For example, thestability application 256 can set a defined number of revolutions per second below which a hoisted object is deemed to be stable. Thestability application 256 can monitor thesensor pack 259, as calibrated inbox 303. For example, thestability application 256 can obtain from the sensor pack 259 a measurement that corresponds with the angular velocity of the hoisted object. Accordingly, with thesensor pack 259 in place, the rotation of theenclosure 103 and/or the hoisted object can be sensed. - At
box 309, thestability application 256 can perform a noise reduction analysis on one or more measurements obtained from thesensor pack 259. The analysis uses theprocessor 253 to compute one or more reduced samples based on measurement(s) obtained from thesensor pack 259. For example, asensor pack 259 having a 200 Hz IMU would have a sample period of 5 milliseconds. The reduced samples can be based on a sample period that is greater than 5 milliseconds. One benefit of the noise reduction is to reduce the likelihood that thedevice 100 will overcompensate for a spin or jerk the hoisted object. - At
box 312, thestability application 256 can determine whether the hoisted object is unstable. The hoistedobject attachment 109 of theenclosure 103 is connected to the hoisted object, and therefore spins with the same angular velocity as the hoisted object. The IMU of thesensor pack 259 can sense angular velocity of the enclosure. The IMU senses the angular velocity of theenclosure 103, and therefore by the nature of the connection between theenclosure 103 and the hoisted object, the IMU senses a measurement that corresponds to the angular velocity of the hoisted object. - For example, if the
sensor pack 259 detects a measurement that is above a threshold defined inbox 303, this condition can be associated with an unstable hoisted object. Thestability application 256 can determine that the hoisted object is unstable because it is spinning in one axis. If thestability application 256 determines that the hoisted object is unstable, the process continues tobox 315. - If the
stability application 256 determines that the stability of the hoisted object is within a threshold, this condition can be associated with a hoisted object that is stable. Thestability application 256 can determine that the hoisted object is no longer spinning, or that the hoisted object is spinning within a tolerance of at least one sensor making up the sensor pack. Thestability application 256 can also determine that the hoisted object is spinning less than a fixed number ofrevolutions per second. If the hoisted object is stable, then the process can return tobox 306. Alternatively, in some implementations, the process can end if the hoisted object is considered stable. - At
box 315, thestability application 256 can adjust voltage of themotor 121. Thestability application 256 can instruct themotor driver 262 to drive themotor 121 and rotate at least one drive shaft attached to the flywheel(s) 115. Driving themotor 121 can result in the application of torque to theenclosure 103. Thestability application 256 integrates measurements from the IMU of thesensor pack 259 so that angular velocity input informs the velocity and direction of theflywheel 115. - The
stability application 256 can implement a PID controller to adjust the voltage of themotor 121 due to at least one measurement detected by thesensor pack 259. For example, the voltage of themotor 121 can be adjusted based on the direction and the angular velocity of the hoisted object. The voltage of themotor 121 can be controlled so the angular velocity of theflywheel 115 counteracts the angular momentum of the hoisted object. For example, the PID controller can implement a control equation (1) where V is the output voltage to themotor 121, m is the difference between the angular velocity of the hoisted object about the z-axis compared to desired angular velocity. The kp, k, and kd values can be selected. Thereafter, the process can return tobox 306. Alternatively, in some implementations, the process can proceed to completion. -
- Although the flowchart of
FIG. 3 shows a specific order of execution, it is understood that the order of execution may differ from that which is depicted. For example, the order of execution of two or more blocks may be scrambled relative to the order shown. Also, two or more blocks shown in succession inFIG. 3 may be executed concurrently or with partial concurrence. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the blocks shown inFIG. 3 may be skipped or omitted (in favor, e.g., conventional scanning approaches). In addition, any number of counters, state variables, warning semaphores, or messages might be added to the logical flow described herein, for purposes of enhanced utility, accounting, performance measurement, or providing troubleshooting aids, etc. It is understood that all such variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. - Also, any logic or application described herein, including the
stability manager 118, and thestability application 256, can be implemented using dedicated circuitry or implemented using hardware and software such as a microcontroller and software running on the microcontroller. - The
device 100 can be formed from any suitable type(s) of materials to meet or exceed United States Military Standards and/or other design specifications. While thedevice 100 is depicted as attached above the litter or hoisted object, thedevice 100 could also be connected to (or inside of) a bottom of the litter. Thedevice 100 can thus be fitted to any litter. - Although embodiments have been described herein in detail, the descriptions are by way of example. The features of the embodiments described herein are representative and, in alternative embodiments, certain features and elements may be added or omitted. Additionally, modifications to aspects of the embodiments described herein may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention defined in the following claims, the scope of which are to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as to encompass modifications and equivalent structures.
- Disjunctive language such as the phrase “at least one of X, Y, or Z,” unless specifically stated otherwise, is otherwise understood with the context as used in general to present that an item, term, etc., may be either X, Y, or Z, or any combination thereof (e.g., X, Y, and/or Z). Thus, such disjunctive language is not generally intended to, and should not, imply that certain embodiments require at least one of X, at least one of Y, or at least one of Z to each be present.
- It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of the present disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of the disclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to the above-described embodiment(s) without departing substantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All such modifications and variations are intended to be included herein within the scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.
Claims (20)
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US18/082,228 US20230117935A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2022-12-15 | Device for stabilizing a hoisted object |
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US201862677177P | 2018-05-28 | 2018-05-28 | |
US16/360,075 US11535496B2 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2019-03-21 | Device for stabilizing a hoisted object |
US18/082,228 US20230117935A1 (en) | 2018-05-28 | 2022-12-15 | Device for stabilizing a hoisted object |
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US11945697B2 (en) | 2018-02-08 | 2024-04-02 | Vita Inclinata Ip Holdings Llc | Multiple remote control for suspended load control equipment apparatus, system, and method |
US11992444B1 (en) | 2023-12-08 | 2024-05-28 | Vita Inclinata Ip Holdings Llc | Apparatus, system, and method to control torque or lateral thrust applied to a load suspended on a suspension cable |
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US11834305B1 (en) | 2019-04-12 | 2023-12-05 | Vita Inclinata Ip Holdings Llc | Apparatus, system, and method to control torque or lateral thrust applied to a load suspended on a suspension cable |
US11618566B1 (en) | 2019-04-12 | 2023-04-04 | Vita Inclinata Technologies, Inc. | State information and telemetry for suspended load control equipment apparatus, system, and method |
US11053702B2 (en) * | 2019-09-30 | 2021-07-06 | At&T Mobility Ii Llc | Swing canceling system with gyrostabilizer for strand mounted small cell base station |
CA3178486A1 (en) * | 2021-11-12 | 2023-05-12 | Goodrich Corporation | Gyroscope assisted helicopter rescue lift systems and methods |
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JPH04256686A (en) | 1991-02-06 | 1992-09-11 | Ishikawajima Harima Heavy Ind Co Ltd | Suspending device |
JP3222298B2 (en) | 1993-12-24 | 2001-10-22 | 株式会社福島製作所 | Automatic swing positioning method and hanging tool with automatic swing positioning device |
US5871249A (en) * | 1996-11-12 | 1999-02-16 | Williams; John H. | Stable positioning system for suspended loads |
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WO2010150336A1 (en) * | 2009-06-22 | 2010-12-29 | 株式会社青木機械 | Lifting hook device |
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DE102012220975A1 (en) * | 2012-11-16 | 2014-05-22 | MCI Management Center Innsbruck - Internationale Hoschule GmbH | 1Lastdrehkreisel |
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Cited By (2)
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US11945697B2 (en) | 2018-02-08 | 2024-04-02 | Vita Inclinata Ip Holdings Llc | Multiple remote control for suspended load control equipment apparatus, system, and method |
US11992444B1 (en) | 2023-12-08 | 2024-05-28 | Vita Inclinata Ip Holdings Llc | Apparatus, system, and method to control torque or lateral thrust applied to a load suspended on a suspension cable |
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US20190359453A1 (en) | 2019-11-28 |
US11535496B2 (en) | 2022-12-27 |
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